Asian forest scorpion, Heterometrus sp.

Do Asian forest scorpions make good pets?

Asian forest scorpions are a genus of tropical scorpions originating from parts of Asia. They are generally a docile group and have easy to meet husbandry requirements, making them a good option for beginner scorpion keepers.

Asian forest scorpions, like all scorpions, can inject venom from their tails, but there are no recorded human deaths from stings of this genus, although it can cause pain and irritation similar to that of a bee sting, so handling is not recommended.

At Swell Reptiles, all of our Asian forest scorpions were captive bred in the UK, meaning you can rest assured your new scorpion came from a reliable source, with minimal negative impacts on their native environment.

What size enclosure does an Asian forest scorpion need?

For an adult Asian forest scorpion, we recommend a minimum enclosure size of around 45 x 45 x 30cm (18 x 18 x 12”), which can be a glass terrarium or similar sized plastic enclosure, such as the Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 45x45x30cm or the this Komodo Plastic Terrarium. This will allow enough space for your scorpion to move around between burrows and explore.

Do Asian forest scorpions need to be heated?

Asian forest scorpions are best kept with a warm end temperature of around 28°C (82°F), which can be achieved using a heat mat attached to the back or side of the enclosure and regulated by an on/off thermostat. Depending on the enclosure, however, it may be better to use an overhead heating system such as a basking lamp and dimming thermostat or ceramic heat emitter and pulse thermostat.

How can I maintain my Asian forest scorpion’s humidity?

Asian forest scorpions should be kept within a humidity range of 70-80%, which can be maintained using a loose, moisture-retaining substrate such as coco soil, and regular misting with a handheld spray bottle. It is always worth using an accurate hygrometer to monitor your humidity levels and mist only when required.

How do I decorate an Asian forest scorpion terrarium?

Decoration isn’t a big deal for Asian forest scorpions, as long as they have hiding caves or logs to burrow under, and debris in the form of natural reptile decor dotted around their enclosure, they will be happy. You should also provide a shallow water dish for hydration, which will also assist in maintaining the high humidity levels required by these scorpions.

What do Asian forest scorpions eat?

Asian forest scorpions are insectivorous and should be fed a varied diet of livefoods, including crickets, locusts, cockroaches and mealworms. It is important not to leave uneaten livefood in the enclosure unattended, as some are able to bite and cause injury to your scorpion, particularly during the moulting cycle.

How do I buy an Asian forest scorpion?

If you would like to take home one of our Asian forest scorpions, please pop down to our store and see us, bringing with you some images of your set-up.

We will ask a few quick questions and also to see your images to ensure you are ready to give a suitable home to one of our scorpions. We reserve the right to refuse adoption to anyone we feel is unprepared to adopt.